London to Edinburgh flight pathLGWEDI

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 20m
Distance357
Heading340° → 337°
Best side
Left
★ 3.5 left·★ 2.0 right

The left side wins on both ends of the flight: London's skyline and Thames on departure, and the dramatic Firth of Forth with its iconic bridges and Edinburgh's skyline on arrival. The right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable English countryside during cruise.

Flown LGW to EDI? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

London to Edinburgh is 357 miles (574 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Pennine hills and the flat farmland of the English Midlands/Northumberland coastline near Newcastle

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (left side) — London skyline (The Shard, City skyscrapers), Thames river bends, North Downs ridge

Takeoff from LGW

LEFT

Departing Gatwick westbound (26), the route curves north over the Surrey/London suburbs before heading up the country, giving left-side views back toward London's skyline and the Thames valley. Right side mostly shows the flatter Weald countryside.

London skyline (The ShardCity skyscrapers)Thames river bendsNorth Downs ridge
LGW GatwickHub for easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian Air Shuttle
Aerial window seat view during landing at Edinburgh (left side) — Firth of Forth, Forth Bridges, Edinburgh Castle and Old Town skyline, Arthur's Seat

Landing at EDI

LEFT

On approach to Edinburgh's runway 24 from the northeast, the aircraft tracks in over the Firth of Forth, giving left-side passengers views of the estuary, the Forth bridges, and the city's skyline with Arthur's Seat before landing.

Firth of ForthForth BridgesEdinburgh Castle and Old Town skylineArthur's Seat
EDI EdinburghHub for easyJet, Loganair

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Edinburgh (EDI)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Edinburgh. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: London's skyline and Thames on departure, and the dramatic Firth of Forth with its iconic bridges and Edinburgh's skyline on arrival. The right side offers mostly flat, unremarkable English countryside during cruise.

What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Gatwick westbound (26), the route curves north over the Surrey/London suburbs before heading up the country, giving left-side views back toward London's skyline and the Thames valley. Right side mostly shows the flatter Weald countryside. Notable sights include: London skyline (The Shard, City skyscrapers), Thames river bends, North Downs ridge.

What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?

When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Edinburgh's runway 24 from the northeast, the aircraft tracks in over the Firth of Forth, giving left-side passengers views of the estuary, the Forth bridges, and the city's skyline with Arthur's Seat before landing. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridges, Edinburgh Castle and Old Town skyline, Arthur's Seat.

How long is the flight from London to Edinburgh?

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 357 miles (574 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Edinburgh flight path pass over?

Pennine hills and the flat farmland of the English Midlands/Northumberland coastline near Newcastle